Keys to unlocking winter fish

Your odds of catching fish in open water this winter likely will depend upon time of day, weather patterns and structure.

The last real ice fishing season we had was about three winters ago in 2011. Since then we have seen warmer than normal winters that have produced up-and-down fishing conditions.

There is no arguing that the best fishing is when there are stable conditions, especially during the winter, whether it's warm or cold. Stable conditions allow the fish to get into a pattern that fishermen can pick up on, which produces good, if not easier, fishing.

It looks like we are in for another January and February of hot and cold conditions. Early December produced a cold spell that saw several days below freezing, then the weekend before Christmas temperatures climbed into the 60s.

So the big question is: Can you find good fishing when we have such unstable conditions?

Yes, if you know where to look.

First, target fish that remain active during the winter, such as pickerel, trout, crappies, perch and walleyes. While you still can catch a few largemouth, smallmouth, catfish and other warm-water fish, targeting the more active fish only makes good sense.

Next, fish the waters that have good populations of the fish on our hit list. Put the odds in your favor. Think of it as if you are picking apples in an apple orchard instead of picking them in a forest where you might find only a few apple trees.

Also, pick the times you fish wisely, not only on a time of day basis, but also in relation to weather patterns. Fish are more opportunistic feeders during the cold-water season and feed more sporadically as compared to the warm-water season. The better percentages are with fishing in the afternoon when water temps are often a degree or two higher.

When it comes to fishing in relation to the weather, fishing always will be better when there has been a warming trend. Fishing also can be very good for several days when the weather begins to turn cold and the colder water temps start slowing the fish.

The wind is one of the key factors in how fast the waters cool. The effects of the wind are a double-edged sword. On one hand cold air and a stiff breeze will chill the water quickly and slow the fishing just as fast. On the flip side, some warm air temps and a stiff breeze will bring water temps up quickly.

The key to fishing these effects successfully lies in the structures you fish. When you have warm air and a breeze, fish the areas that the wind blows up into. These are the areas that will warm up first and turn the fish on. When there is cold air and a stiff breeze, fish the sheltered areas that are not affected by the wind.

Moving water also cools quicker and warms faster. Thus when a warming trend occurs fish areas such as head waters, small stream confluences and spillways.

Dam spillways are productive both ways because they are areas where fish will hold over during the winter. Perch and other fish will move up streams as far as the dams, thus a spillway that has deep water is a prime spot. Another prime spot to look is around objects that are half in the water and half out. Sun light on the object, especially during a warming trend, will make the object a few degrees warmer than the water and this is why crappie, perch and other fish will hold tight to them. Bridge pilings and the water close to them are a classic example.

Picking your structures, the time you fish and the fish you fish for are the keys to winter fishing.